17,000 people in Dominica received first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Dominica: Aiming to achieve the herd immunity goal, the Commonwealth of Dominica has so far vaccinated over 17,000 people (25% population) in the country, said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit during a biweekly Cabinet press conference.

PM Skerrit, during his address, commended over 17,000 people who have taken their first dose of vaccine in Dominica. After providing the vaccine to the different sectors of the society, the government would be taking the vaccines to the business places. Moreover, they will rope in the people who are sitting in their homes to increase the number of people immunized against the global pandemic.

Further discussing about sports, PM said, “Tied to our holistic approach to health and wellness is sports, we believe that not only does sports provide opportunities for our sportspersons to develop their skill but also provides healthy alternatives to our youth and stress relief for spectators. We have been building hard courts and other facilities and rehabilitating a number of playing fields across Dominica.”

All the sports developments are being unfolded notwithstanding of the global pandemic. PM said, unlike other countries where sports is not given priority, the Commonwealth of Dominica is giving equal importance to the sports sector.

He added that during the hurricane Maria hit Dominica; moreover, during the period of lockdowns due to COVID-19, agriculture has helped the country to carry out through these crises. “We need to keep strengthening our commercial farming capabilities for volume, both for home and for export.”

“While your government is providing the infrastructure and facilities including schools building, health centres, building homes, fixing and building roads, construction of bridges, I wish to sound a call for us as citizens to take ownership of these things we have to show our appreciation by taking care of them by paying attention to a need for a clean environment and avoiding the temptations to little and avoid vandalism,” added PM Skerrit.

Furthermore, giving an update on the international airport, Prime Minister said that plans are moving in full speed ahead and the government would provide a more comprehensive update later. “The government will be commissioning another six (6) health centres over the next few months.” He also added that the construction of Dominica-China friendship hospital and Marigot hospital are progressing very well. He said that the construction of the Dominica-China friendship hospital’s construction is still going on while providing all sort of healthcare services to the people.

“If you are treated well, and you are in good ambience, that is 50 percent of your rehabilitation.”